Route 44 Bridge over Mantua Creek taken out of service

The Route 44 Bridge over Mantua Creek between West Deptford and Paulsboro, Gloucester County was taken out of service for marine traffic today because of excessive heat. Route 44/Crown Point Road remains open for vehicles.

The excessive heat has caused the expansion of some components on the bridge, which prohibits the bridge from opening to allow marine traffic to pass. In the closed position, the bridge has 2 feet of clearance over mean high water. Vessels that can transit safely under the bridge may do so. The United States Coast Guard has been notified.

The closure of the bridge to marine traffic is expected to last until 7 a.m. Saturday, July 18 when conditions are forecasted to improve. If conditions improve earlier, the bridge may resume normal operations for marine traffic sooner.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.

Air Quality Alert until 12:00AM Friday

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code red air quality alert Thursday for Southwestern New Jersey. A code red air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthful for the general population. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles…visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/

* AFFECTED AREAS: GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON

Rest in peace, Jim.

The Brooklawn Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim DiAmore, a longtime friend and unwavering supporter of our department and the Brooklawn community.

For many years, Jim served our community as a trusted pharmacist, always greeting everyone with kindness, compassion, and a genuine willingness to help. His dedication to caring for others extended far beyond his profession, touching the lives of countless families throughout Brooklawn.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, compassion, and community pride will continue to live on.

Rest in peace, Jim.

I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve closed and detoured tonight in Bellmawr

The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured tonight as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. In addition, overnight lane and ramp closures are scheduled on Route 42 northbound, I-295 northbound and I-76 eastbound tonight through Saturday nights. The lane and ramp closures, as well as traffic slowdowns, are necessary to install structural steel and construct a retaining wall.

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NJDOT Traffic Advisory

The I-676 southbound Exit 2 ramp to the Walt Whitman Bridge/I-76 westbound is scheduled to be closed and detoured each night Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30 as a bridge replacement and paving project advances in Camden and Gloucester City, Camden County.

Beginning at 11 p.m. Monday, July 27 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 28 and continuing each night through Thursday, July 30 at the same time, the I-676 southbound Exit 2 ramp to the Walt Whitman Bridge/I-76 westbound is scheduled to be closed. The closure is necessary to install drainage. The following detour will be in place:

I-676 southbound Exit 2 ramp to Walt Whitman Bridge Detour:

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Homicide Arrest

On June 5, 2026, at approximately 12:32 a.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Edgley Street following a radio call reporting a person with a gun. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered an unresponsive male lying on the highway. The victim, identified as Anshul Kuncha, a 28-year-old male, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Officers immediately transported Kuncha to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:43 a.m.

Following the investigation, an arrest was made on Friday, July 10, 2026. Sincere Camps, a 14-year-old male from the 23XX block of W. Diamond Street, was taken into custody. He is charged with Murder, Robbery, VUFA and related offenses.

The motive was Robbery.

All those charged are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

America’s Charitable Food System Is Missing the Most Important Ingredient

By Daniel Leckie

America’s fight against hunger has long centered on one question: Are people getting enough food?

That narrow focus is no longer enough — and thankfully, the federal government is starting to take action. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) just invested millions of dollars in an initiative to expand access to protein-rich foods nationwide.

That investment couldn’t come at a more critical time. Staple protein-rich foods, like beef, seafood, and dairy, are among the most expensive items in Americans’ grocery carts.

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Concert at New Brooklyn Park

HOME COUNTRY: “Hot? Did you say hot?”

“Hot? Did you say hot?”

“Sure did, Windy, have a seat and join us,” said Doc. We were huddled up in the coolth of the air conditioner blast in that certain part of the dining room at the Mule Barn truck stop. Yes. It was hot.

“Ain’t like Death Valley, howsomever,” Windy said. “Now boys, that there’s HOT!”

“You been to Death Valley, Windy?”

“Shore did, Steve. Wellsir, it was a long time back, ‘bout the time of when I ferget who was president. One of them guys who ain’t president any more. But I was jest percolatin’ ‘round and got me this here wranglin’ job over there at Furnace Crick. Hot? Say, it was so hot it melted your whiskers! But they needed these dudes wrangled and I packed mules for ‘em … until the accident …”

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Gloucester County’s Senior Nutrition Program

Good nutrition and social connection go hand in hand. Gloucester County’s Senior Nutrition Program offers hot, nutritious weekday lunches at six locations throughout the county, along with activities and opportunities to connect with others. Deputy Director Jim Jefferson encourages eligible residents to learn more about this program, including meal site locations: https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/1167/Nutrition-Program